Steve Prest dies aged 43

Some very sad news to report today as one of snooker’s most well-known coaches Steve Prest, has died at the age of 43…

You can read more detail over here at Snooker Scene blog where David Hendon reports that Steve was found dead at his home on Friday, though the cause appears to be unknown at this stage.

Although Steve was a main tour professional during the 1990’s, he is probably best known for his coaching career and in particular his involvement with Shaun Murphy during his glorious 2005 World Championship run. More recently he had been working with the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Neil Robertson, as well as Peter Lines who I saw him with at the World Championship qualifiers this year.

On a personal level I did not know him too well but I had spoken to him at those qualifiers and also had a photo with him and Shaun Murphy back in 2006. On both occasions he came across as a good guy and the fact that he seemed perfectly healthy just a couple of months ago makes this even more of a shock.

Please feel free to leave any messages of condolence or any other personal memories of Steve here.

Some of us had the pleasure to play against steve. Those that didnt had the pleasure to watch and learn. Will be sadly missed by all at harlow and im sure the rest of the league. Thanks also should be given for the advice he gave his opponents and team mates. RIP

Vince Roy at Excelsior

A tragic loss, Steve was a great guy, never too busy to say hello. Deepest condolences.

http://www.3e-ltd.com Mick Pearson

Thanks to all you guys who have left such great messages here and on other sites. Thanks for all your warm wishes. I know it is appreciated by both Steve’s family and all his many friends here at the Harrogate Conservative Club. From your ever-loving Team Captain and long-time friend Mick Pearson and all the players and members of the Club. RIP mate.

Alan Trigg

I have known Steve since the very early days when he played at Harrogate Conservative club where his mother and father ran it, he was not only a great coach but also a very good player, he will be greatly missed, my deepest condolences to his family.

Simon Gee

Steve a great guy, deeply missed by all…in our thoughts forever

HCC

Uncle bKen and Aunt Joyce, Cousins Darren and Simon in Spain

When you could hardly see over the table at the Cons Club Harrogate we knew you would find your niche as a snooker pro. Now you join your dad and our hearts go out to your mum Eileen and brother Andrew. God bless. Joyce Ken Darren and Simon Spain.

Uncle Ken and Aunt Joyce, Cousins Darren and Simon in Spain

When you could hardly see over the table at the Cons Club Harrogate we knew you would find your niche as a snooker pro.Now you join your dad and our hearts go out to your mum Irene and brother Andrew. God bless. Joyce Ken Darren and Simon Spain

Emma Prest.

Dad,

Words cannot describe how much i will miss you, but i am so glad that you were my dad for the first 14 (nearly 15) years of my life, i couldnt have wished for a better dad than you. You truly were one special man. I will miss you so so much and you will always have a place in my heart. Will you look after grandpa for me and give him the biggest kiss ever. I will never forget how happy you made me, and how proud of me you were. I hope i can carry on making you proud and i hope you will never forget me. I cannot put in to words how much i loved you and i just want you to know that you will be missed soo sooo much by everybody.

Steve,i was always proud to tell folk that me cousin was a world class snooker coach and a good friend too. Will miss you loads mate.
RIP……….

Mick

Shelly

Steve, a truly wonderful person with a heart of gold, whom i had the pleasure of knowing. Will be greatly missed. RIP X

John & Bernie (& all at the Harewood Arms Hotel)

We were all truly shocked by the news on Friday last, just hours after a typically kind hearted Steve had left 2 signed cues at the hotel to help raise money for St Gemma’s Hospice & the Paul Hunter foundation. You enriched many people’s lives & brought fun & happiness wherever you went. You will be sadly missed, but never forgotten RIP

Brian Lowe

Whenever Steve saw me, he always made a point of coming over to speak to me, and greeting me as though he had known me all my life.
A REAL GENTLEMAN

Richard and Liam Aspin

I used to come to coaching sessions with my grandson Liam until recently and had the pleasure of knowing Steve and Emma.

Was in Spain when found out and really cant believe it. He was a true gentleman and great with Liam and my younger grandson Jack.

Always smiling and always had a friendly word with us – you will be sadly missed Steve and our sincere condolences go to Emma

http://www.higginsandbrown.co.uk Andy Smith

I have not seen Steve for a few years now and I was looking to get in touch with regards to a spot of business… All been put into perspective now… I am shocked at reading this sad news… Hope he is playing, with Paulo, on that table up in the sky…

Gordon Beattie

When I was a member at The Harrogate Conservative Club and at the beginning of my interest in Snooker he was only too happy to share his experience of the game to.me.Whatever! little talent one had he was always happy to advise.
My condolences go out to his family.